Ahead of the opening of the First Light Pavilion, we are over the moon to finally reveal our new branding for Jodrell Bank. 

Following a competitive tender process in spring 2021, the design agency Johnson Banks, in partnership with strategic consultancy Winster Marsh, were appointed to take on our multi-faceted brief.

That brief came from us, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre as we were known then. But, alongside strategy, brand architecture and visual identity, the brief also included a requirement to reconsider the name, ‘Discovery Centre’.

Following research and discussion, it was decided that we now be understood simply as Jodrell Bank. Meanwhile, for internal communications, our team becomes Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, much like our colleagues at Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics.

A series of workshops and interviews helped us to craft a new brand strategy, at the heart of which lies an inspiring core narrative to Create Wonder.

Meanwhile, a new vision, mission and values statement includes the compelling mantra Make Space for Everyone, along with a commitment to inspirational learning and engagement, and a vision to empower lifetimes of scientific discovery.

Our visual identity, of course, takes inspiration from the landmark Lovell Telescope. Our new logo may look simple at first: the name written in two lines inside a circle. But then, slowly and carefully, much like the telescope itself, the logo turns, tilts and comes to life. Always looking, always listening.

That motion continues beyond the logo and, by following the shape our new First Light Pavilion, the curved paths around the site, and even the movement of planets around stars, this moving elipse forms the basis of a whole new design scheme.

Tale a look at this film to see the branding in action:

The scheme is supported by a colour palette that includes references to the electromagnetic spectrum; ‘Redshift’ alludes to the longer wavelengths at the end of the spectrum were the science of radio astronomy operates. Other colours include the off-white ‘Dish’ of the telescope, and the shades of the skies above Jodrell Bank; ‘Morning’, ‘Day’, and ‘Night’.

Meanwhile, new fonts are inspired by the heritage of the site and its fascinating stories that run through the heights of the Space Race to the depths of the Cold War.

New language, imagery and layouts are added in to bring out ‘The Jodrell Bank Way’ -our collective culture and our shared sense of humour, joy, curiosity, determination, and achievement.

The new identity is expressed in a staff manifesto; an internal document for the team that provides a comprehensive guide to the brand, and the context for our new moment of transformation.

Roll-out will now run across the site, both internally and externally, over the next few months. Updates will be applied to anything that would support the new branding including online platforms, wayfinding, merchandise, marketing materials and more.

We are incredibly grateful to Michael, Kat, Jonathan and the team at Johnson Banks and to Jo at Winster Marsh for steering us through this process and finally giving Jodrell Bank the brand it always deserved. We’re also grateful to Kirsty and the Marketing team at The University of Manchester who have supported us on this journey. We’re just so proud of this fantastic work.